Taste & Aging
Drinking Window
Aromas
Food Pairing
Vintage Report
Our Review
Napanook 2021 Napa Valley
Napanook 2021 is the second wine from Dominus Estate , made from grapes grown at the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, Napa Valley . This parcel has been one of the region's iconic vineyards since the 19th century and was the source of great Inglenook wines in the 1940s and 1950s. Napanook is specially crafted from blocks of vibrant fruit, soft tannins, and a style that's ready to drink a little earlier than the great Dominus. What exactly is Napanook 2021? It's a Cabernet-dominant blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, crafted to deliver great enjoyment young while also allowing it to age for over 10 years.
Vineyards and region
Napanook 2021 comes from the United States—from California">California , Napa Valley, and specifically from Yountville. All grapes come from the Napanook Vineyard, a 42-hectare vineyard at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains. The soil here consists of a mix of gravel and clay loam, well-drained and particularly suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux grapes in the blend . The climate is temperate with plenty of sunshine and cool nights, allowing the grapes to ripen perfectly without losing their freshness. The plot's history dates back to 1838, when George Yount was one of the first to plant vines here in Napa Valley. Today, the same vineyard provides the grapes for Dominus, Napanook, and Othello.
Vinification and maturation
The vineyard is kept completely dry, without irrigation, forcing the roots to search deep into the soil for water and minerals. In winter, precise pruning and tillage ensure airy bunches and even ripening, while later in the season, yield is reduced through in-vineyard selection. The 2021 harvest took place from September 16th to October 1st and was done entirely by hand, followed by a combination of manual and optical sorting in the cellar. Fermentation is done parcel by parcel, with gentle pumping over to control the extraction of color, aroma, and tannin from the skins. The wine is then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which are new. Since 2021, the vineyard has been certified organic (CCOF), and minimal intervention is used in the cellar to ensure the character of the Napanook vineyard is expressed as purely as possible in the wine.
Grape composition
Cabernet Sauvignon – Napanook Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 92% of the blend, bringing the core of cassis, blackberries, structure and the deep color that Napa Valley is known for.
Cabernet Franc – Napanook Vineyard
Cabernet Franc accounts for 6% and adds floral notes, spiciness and refinement, with a hint of leafy herbs in the aroma and flavour.
Petit Verdot – Napanook Vineyard
Petit Verdot accounts for 2% of the blend and enhances the colour, spicy notes and tension in the finish.
Tasting notes and serving suggestions
Napanook 2021 has a deep, dark ruby color. The nose reveals aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and ripe cherry, complemented by notes of graphite, tobacco, cedar, spice, and a hint of blood orange. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and intense, with concentrated dark fruit, velvety yet powerful tannins, and a vibrant freshness that beautifully balances the richness. The finish is long and spicy, with layers of fruit, cocoa, and a hint of smoke that linger. Serve Napanook 2021 at 16-18°C (60-64°F) with dishes such as grilled sirloin or ribeye, rack of lamb, slow-cooked beef, game such as venison or deer, or with aged hard cheeses.
Awards
-
2021 – 97 p (James Suckling)
-
2021 – 95 p (Jeb Dunnuck)
-
2021 – 94 p (Decanter)
-
2021 – 92–94 p (Vinous)
Product details
| Alcohol content | 15.0% |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0.75L |
| Region | California |
| Sub-region | Napa Valley |
| Appellation | Yountville |
| Producer | Dominus Estate |
| Varietal(s) | Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Ideal serving temperature ? | 16° - 18°C |